Description
A BRCA1 and BRCA2 test is used to identify if a person has mutations in these genes, which can significantly increase their risk of developing certain cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer, allowing them to take proactive measures to manage their health based on their genetic predisposition; essentially, it's a test to assess an individual's inherited risk for specific cancers by looking for changes in the BRCA genes.
Key points about BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing:
- Function of BRCA genes: These genes play a crucial role in DNA repair, and mutations can disrupt this process, leading to increased cancer risk.
- Who should consider testing: Individuals with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, particularly at a young age, are often recommended for BRCA testing.
- What the test looks for: The test analyzes a blood sample to identify harmful changes (mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Positive test result implications: A positive result indicates a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, which may lead to increased cancer screening or preventative measures like risk-reducing surgery.
Fasting not required.
